NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Civics Chapter 6 Political Parties

Ans : Functions performed by political parties in a democracy:
Group together a large number of similar opinions, thereby providing a direction in which policies can be formulated Contest elections, providing the voters a choice between different policies Winning party forms and runs the government Losing parties form the opposition, and keep a check on the working of the government Play a decisive role in making laws, especially by debating them in the legislature. Shape public opinion by raising and highlighting issues Provide people a way to access government machinery and welfare schemes 

Ans : Various challenges faced by political parties:
Lack of internal democracy
This is caused by the concentration of power in the hands of a few leaders. As a result, positions at the top are reserved for the leaders’ relatives (dynastic succession) or people close to them.
Increased dependence on money and muscle power
This causes the party policies to be moulded by groups which supply these to the party.
Failure to provide a meaningful choice to the voters
This is because of the decline in fundamental, ideological differences among parties in most parts of the world. 

Ans : Some reforms which could strengthen political parties are:
A law should be established to regulate the internal affairs of parties, thereby making them more transparent.
Women should be given at least one-third tickets.
The state should fund election campaigns, thereby eliminating lobbying groups and unfair competition. 

Ans : A political party is a group of people who follow an ideology and thus come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. 

Ans : Characteristics of a political party are:
The presence of a central ideology which defines what it stands for.
Policies arising from this ideology; the party promises to implement these if it is voted to power.
The presence of a leader, the party workers and supporters.